A/N: Apologies in advance for this terrible edit but I've had little time as we've been moving sites at work and I've been averaging 12 hour shifts for the passed week- who knew one little office could hold so much work!!
A little warning for violence here.
As always I own nothing but please read and review.
Ashes to Ashes
"Distant and divided, worlds and miles apart. Dreams of day together, broken in my heart. Lives we saw before us fade away. Sweet words we will never whispered, words we long to say."- The Song of Hope, LOTR the musical.
Jareth and Sarah told the story of their reunion from beginning to end, Didymus and Hoggle's shock melting swiftly to concern as Sarah spoke of Jareth's arrival and the injuries he had sustained at Puck's hand, the fear she had felt that he would not survive the night when she and her father had cared for him. Oberon's plan for the Above and his connections to the Unseelie Court had Hoggle cursing and Didymus admonishing him for his language before a lady as he worked himself into a familiar frenzy against the coming threat. Jareth kept from them talk of the army awaiting them under Khepri's command, fearing the unseen ears that would hear them in the Labyrinth, but both Hoggle and Didymus swore to help them as they travelled to the castle, Ludo bellowing his agreement alongside.
They spoke of the weeks they had spent together in the Above, the growth of their friendship into love in such a swift time returning the scowl to Hoggle's face and brokered a less than favourable response from Didymus also, his shocked silence speaking volumes more than Hoggle's loud opposition to the match that not even Jareth's threat of the Bog silencing him.
When no more could be said Sarah, torn between her long time friend and Jareth, sought out the genial company of Ludo, the beast too elated at seeing her to be bothered trying to understand any bickering occurring between the rest of the group. Didymus gallantly took the point of the group on Ambrosias, leading them through the twists and turns of a wicker wall maze that made Sarah think too much of fire and Christopher Lee for comfort. Jareth hung back, giving Sarah the space she needed with Ludo and trying not to push too hard on the injuries that still plagued him.
He knew he should stop, the impact of the branch in the river the final straw to a body still too badly injured from Oberon and Puck's torture but pride, especially the expectations he placed on himself and his position, forced him to go on without alerting any of those around him of his pain. His slow pace though meant that soon Hoggle fell into step beside him, trudging silently until Sarah had outstripped them enough to be out of ear shot.
"You'll break 'er 'eart," said the dwarf, the loss of Jareth's powers making him bold enough to speak, "She's too good for you."
Jareth scowled but answered all the same, "I am well aware of that Hogwart," he said, "But I have no intention of ever breaking her heart."
"Then yer'll break yer own," said Hoggle, not correcting him on his name, "I ain't forgotten last time, don't think none of us 'ave, and I ain't watching that 'appen again. Yer ain't got no chance, not 'ere. There ain't no way for the two of yer unless yer fighting all this just to give up the crown. Ain't no way them on Avalon would let 'er be queen after what happened with Mizumi."
"Don't mention that name in my presence," hissed Jareth, "You speak too freely around me Hoghead."
"Hoggle!" cried the dwarf, "And I speak because yer too away in the clouds to see sense, child!"
Jareth's face darkened and he rounded on Hoggle, "Call me that again and magic or no you'll regret it," he said.
Hoggle sighed, "There ain't no reasoning with yer," he said as Jareth turned to leave him, "I just don't wanna see either of yer get hurt again, Jack."
The strength seemed to leave the Goblin King's shoulders at the final name, "I doubt we'll survive the night anyway, we shan't have time to hurt each other," he said softly, "Go to your friend Hoggle, speak of happier times with her, I wish to walk alone for a while."
Hoggle didn't argue, merely laying a hand on the King's arm as he passed by, trotting to catch up with Sarah and the others. Jareth watched him go, wondering how often he had sent the dwarf from his sight with the wish to be alone. He fingered the scarf wrapped about his sword, trying to feel any glimmer of his sister but unable to do so, the loss of his power leading the gradual dimming of the natural link he had to his twin. He rubbed at his shoulder where the deep lash mark still pained him even after healing, trying to soothe the growing ache hindered by his soaked, cold clothes. The wet leather hung heavily on him but he dared not remove it, remembering all too well how vulnerable he had been to Puck's attack without it, the freshly stitched cut still paining him with every move.
He longed for the warmth of home but was surprised to find his thoughts not focused on the opulent, private chambers of his castle but of a simple front room in a now familiar house. He smiled to himself as he thought of Sarah sat working on the sofa, papers spread out in organised chaos before her, Toby sat hammering tunelessly on the piano as he once more convinced himself he knew far more than Jareth of its working. Then he saw himself, plainly dressed and simply employed in reading one of Sarah's stories as he watched them both, his odd little adopted family who had shown him more warmth in six weeks than those of his blood had done in over a millennia.
His mind altered the scene, placing Anna beside Sarah on the sofa, dressed as he was in Above fashions but her Fae beauty still apparent and leaving her admired despite all else be every soul she met. The two girls whispered to each other in shared conspiracy, their friendship instant and as strong as he could ever wish it, Anna as much of the family as he was.
He was pulled from his musings as his boot hit a loose stick of the wicker path, the slip not enough to topple him but enough to send a pained jolt into his damaged thigh. He lay a hand on the wall as he hiss out his pain, desperate to avoid alerting those ahead, knowing that any weakness on his part would worry them more of the prospect of another attack from Oberon's forces. He snatched his hand away from the wall as he felt the power seeping into his naked fingers, the Labyrinth trying to lend him what remained of her dwindling strength.
"Don't," he said softly, "Don't hurt yourself, not for me."
The wall flickered blue where his hand had just been in protest but he deliberately avoided reaching out to it once more. A movement beside him caught his attention and he looked down, seeing the walls shift and glimmer about him, the shadowed darkness lifting as the figures in front of him faded to nothing but a bright, sunlit maze. His own clothes he saw, clean and dry, the pain gone and his sword relegated from his side. He saw the flash of black as a small boy darted out before him, turning to him with a cheeky grin and deep blue eyes, his black hair wild about him. He stared for a moment up at the Goblin King before running off once more, only stopping as he was scooped up into the arms of an elegant young woman, her long black hair fastened in loose braids down her back, her plain blue dress flaring out around her as she span the boy in her arms.
Jareth smiled sadly at the illusion before him, "Thanks girl," he said laying a hand on the wall beside him as the vision faded to the shadowed wicker maze once more, "But we both know how unlikely that wish is now."
He saw Sarah once more ahead, as beaten and bloodied as he was, as she walked with her friends; just as beautiful as his vision if not more so as he realised the reality from the dream. He rubbed at his shoulder once more, trying to relieve the deep ache their but to no avail. He closed his eyes with a pained sigh and leant for a moment against the wall, only opening his eyes when he heard footsteps stop before him, already knowing he would find two concerned green orbs staring back at him.
"Where does it hurt?" said Sara softly, taking hold of his shoulders as he looked fit to drop.
All bravado faded at her single question and Jareth felt all his strength leave him, his forehead coming to rest on her shoulder as she willingly took his weight, "Everywhere," he said, "Absolutely everywhere."
"Sit down," said Sarah.
"We have to keep moving," protested Jareth.
"Sit down or you're going to fall down," said Sarah more sternly, "You can't go on like this."
"We don't have a choice."
"Well I'm making a choice," said Sarah, "Ludo!"
Jareth didn't have time to protest as Ludo came to his mistress' side before scooping him up like a child as Sarah released her hold on him. He tried to fight against the beast but his grip was too much for Jareth's battle beaten strength.
"Ludo put me down!" he said but the beast simply kept hold of him as he sat down against the wicker wall, "If I had my magic…"
"Well you don't," said Sarah kneeling down before them, "And I'm sorry but if this is the only way I can get you to rest then I'm going to have Ludo keep hold of you."
Jareth looked down at the large paws all but engulfing him as he was sat across Ludo's legs as if he were no more than a babe, "And if I behave?"
Sarah smiled, "Then he'll let you go," she said with a laugh, "And I'll be keeping hold of you."
"Works for me," said Jareth, happy when Ludo released him. He contemplated getting to his feet but saw the stubborn glint in Sarah's eyes and held his hand out to her, letting her tug him gently from Ludo's hold and across to where she sat opposite.
He soon found himself leant back against her; having to admit that, despite the humiliation of showing weakness in front of his subjects, the familiar embrace was a welcome change from nothing but pain. Sarah stroked back his hair and he could do nothing but close his eyes as he leant into her touch.
"We can spare a while," she said, "Just rest."
"Jareth sick," gruffled Ludo, slumping down beside them both.
"My brother speaks true my liege, truly you are most unwell," said Didymus to his right.
Jareth opened his eyes and forced a smile, "It will pass Didymus, we soldiers of Avalon do not lay down easily."
"Soldiers of Avalon usually wear armour when facing down Fimirs and other shadow beasts," said Hoggle, "Not their father's coat and house boots."
"Better than nothing," said Jareth as Sarah ran a hand down the still wet leather.
"Its not doing you much good now though," she said slipping a hand beneath his collar to lay against his skin, "You're freezing."
"Its better than the alternative," said Jareth, "Take this off and I won't get it back on again and it's the closest thing I have to armour. I have no intention of facing Puck again without it."
"Vile villain," cursed Didymus, "Majesty, should this villainous cur come close again I shalt despatch him forthwith, for you know I shall fight anyone, anywhere, any place, any time."
Jareth smiled fondly as the little knight worked himself into a familiar frenzy, "I'm sure you would my friend," he said before letting his eyes slip closed once more, "What I'd give to be sat by the fire in front of some ridiculous soap opera right now."
Sarah laughed, "You've grown too used to the easy life my love."
"Probably had yer waiting on 'im 'and and foot," said Hoggle.
"Would you just stop it!" cried Sarah, tightening her arms about the Fae before her, "Hoggle I know this is strange for you but I don't need you fighting us, we need to work together. I love Jareth, what happened ten years ago is forgotten and it should be by you too, please just accept this, accept us…please?"
Hoggle looked shocked by her sudden outburst, seeing the conviction in her eyes but he was more surprised by the gentle pride in Jareth's as he looked back over his shoulder at her. The look was so far removed from the arrogance he usually saw that all doubt was removed of the extent of the Goblin King's feelings towards his friend and Hoggle felt his reluctance soften.
"I ain't gonna fight yer Sarah," he said, "I ain't gonna pretend I think yer sane no more but if yer says yer loves him then I guess its only right that I trust yer. If it means anything then I'll say that I's happy for yer."
"It means everything to me Hoggle," said Sarah before Jareth's hand found hers and squeezed expressively, "To us."
"Then might I too add my approval," said Didymus, "I shalt not deny my Lady that I can see thee as a truly benevolent and just queen."
"Seems you are to be promoted my sweet," said Jareth with a laugh before stifling a yelp of pain as he wrapped an arm around his ribs.
"What's wrong?" said Sarah covering his hand with her own.
"I took a bit of a battering from that branch in the river when I went under," said Jareth, "Its nothing."
"Don't give me that," said Sarah, shifting so he leaned back against the wicker wall but pausing as she saw the stubborn glint in his eye. Realising the source of his discomfort she turned to her friends, "Hoggle, Didymus, someone should really be keeping watch. Could you go to the turn either end and keep an eye out please, take Ludo with you?"
Hoggle smiled knowingly with a nod while Didymus puffed up with determination in his task, tugging Ludo away to the right turn while the dwarf took the left. Sarah waited for them to move off before kneeling in front of Jareth, reaching for the clasp of his jacket.
"Now will you let me see?" she asked.
Jareth nodded and she popped the clasp before pushing it open and going to work on the buttons of his shirt. She flinched as she saw the deep bruising even before she'd opened the shirt fully and kept her hands light as she discovered the extent of it.
"You can't go on, not like this," she said, stroking over the worst of it.
"I don't have much of a choice," said Jareth, "It's not as bad as it looks."
Sarah gave him a scathing look, "And the truth?"
Jareth frowned, "It hurts like the fire of Hell," he said, flinching as her hand reached a particularly tender spot, "At best two are cracked, at least one feels worse than that."
"Jareth if anything's broken you can't go on, if you take one more knock wrong it could kill you," she said, worried, "You need to stop and I don't care about your silly pride or anything else. Call on Oberon and tell him that I'll go on on my own."
Jareth's gaze hardened, "Not a chance," he said, "You're not taking one step without me beside you; you'll be killed before you even get within sight of the castle."
"As opposed to you being killed if you try to fight one more battle," said Sarah.
"I'd rather that than die for the loss of you love, I promised Toby that even if it took my life I would protect you," said Jareth taking her hand from his bruised ribs and laying it over his heart, "We're in this together and I'm tougher than I look."
Sarah bit her lip at the threatening tears, "I hate to see you in so much pain," she said, "You've gone through so much already because of that stupid Oberon, can't he see what he's doing?"
"Sarah," he said turning her face up to his, "It will be worth it, if we succeed you and I will stand together on the battlements of my castle and watch the shadow roll back from these lands, see our people freed."
"Our people?" said Sarah with a soft smile.
"You are our grand duchess," said Jareth, "And I would hope one day you would agree to be our queen."
Sarah didn't answer but rested her forehead on his shoulder, spreading her fingers over his heart to better feel its familiar beat as his hand came to rest at the small of her back. She sighed against him, eyes closed as she willed them away from the troubles they faced, "What…" she began before snuggling a little closer to him, "What if we lose? If we die?"
"Then we'll have gone down fighting," said Jareth stroking her back, "With honour and with valour and, whatever Oberon does to us here, when our souls reach the Beyond nothing will ever part us…and I'm sure Mama would welcome us warmly."
Sarah smiled against his neck, "Fight Oberon, meet the mother-in-law, now that's what I call a night out," she giggled, "You really do know how to show a girl a good time."
"Beats dinner and a show any day," said Jareth pressing a kiss to her hair, "We should get moving precious."
Sarah moaned petulantly, "Just a couple more minutes," she said, laying a kiss against his pulse, "I need to warm you up a little more."
Jareth laughed, "Very well my distracting beauty," he said, content to spend a few moments in her arms as he feared they were numbering few, "I'm hardly in a position to fight you off."
All too soon their peace was shattered by heavy, running feet. Sarah pulled back to see Hoggle rounding the corner to them, his eyes expressing everything even before he spoke.
"We've got to move," he said.
Jareth was on his feet in a second despite the pain, buttoning up his shirt and refastening his jacket, "What is it?"
"Shadows," said Hoggle, "Thought at first it were just the light but they've got figures in 'em. Big 'uns, Shadow Wraiths and Dark Shee by looks of it."
"Dark Shee?" said Sarah, "Like Banshee?"
"Like Dark Shee," said Jareth, "The Banshee only go for you when you tread on them, Dark Shee hunt you. Trust me, I was raised by a Banshee and there's a great difference."
"Raised by a Banshee?"
"Hate to rush yer," said Hoggle, "But we ain't got time, they was close."
Jareth took Sarah's hand, "History lesson later," he said, "Let's go."
They hurried to the second bend, collecting up Ludo, Didymus and Ambrosias as they left, Jareth having to threaten Didymus with the removal of his Bog duties to stop him turning to fight. The shadows continued to follow, coming closer every second as they hurried through the Labyrinth. Sarah didn't fail to notice how Jareth never once loosed her hand, keeping her as close to him as possible as they ran. She was surprised to see how Ludo growled and gruffled as the shadows drew around them, the vicious sounds completely contrary to the gentle beast she knew, as he kept close to Jareth as a protective sentry. Jareth occasionally laid a hand on the bright orange fur or on Hoggle's shoulder, a look often passing between the two that spoke of years fighting side by side, that Sarah found herself longing to know the history of.
Their pace was relentless, taking them through the wicker maze and beyond, into zones Sarah had never even thought of to be part of the Labyrinth. The shadows pursued but never struck, keeping them constantly on their guard, the darkness oppressive as they hurried on through. Sarah found herself having to force Jareth to stop now and then as he pushed himself too hard, ever the Captain even of their small band. He resisted her as best he could but relented when the pain grew too great and especially when his arm bled enough through his stitches to stain even the thick leather of his jacket.
As the shadows began to cut off paths, they were forced to take routes which led them further from the castle as Jareth admitted any attempt at a fight would end up with them all separated at best. His words alone let Sarah know the terror they faced and the extent of his injuries, the Jareth of the beginning of their journey who would have taken on an army single handed replaced by someone fighting to survive and protect his weaker charges.
They were soon hopelessly lost in a grey stone maze that reminded Sarah of medieval English castles, black knights and gargoyles, a once perfect setting for the mercurial Goblin King but not when he stood battered and beaten with a hand resting on the wall as he searched desperately for a response from the dying Labyrinth. He looked drawn and sad as he stroked over the stone, no light or vibration following him and Sarah knew without having to ask that they'd be going on alone. She crossed to him and laid her hands on his shoulders, raising herself up on her toes to press a kiss to his cheek.
"Hey," she said softly, "I did it on my own the last time, we'll be alright."
"I don't know the way," said Jareth quietly enough so the others wouldn't hear, "Without the Labyrinth to point me the right way I don't have a clue where to turn. I can't find my way in my own damn Labyrinth."
"There's still time," said Sarah taking his hand, "If the Labyrinth can't help us then we'll just do what we can. Jareth don't lose heart, please angel, they need you."
Jareth followed her gaze back to where Hoggle, Didymus and Ludo stood watching for the shadows that still pursued them.
"They follow me only because you're at my side," he said.
Sarah frowned, "Why do you doubt their loyalty to you?"
"Because I have done little in the past to earn it," said Jareth, "So be it then that my first act truly for my people should be my very last."
"Don't say that," said Sarah, "You're going nowhere, I'm not letting you. You promised me forever Jareth and I intend to collect."
Jareth tucked a stray strand of her hair back behind her ear, "For that alone I can go on," he said, "Though I shan't be much…use to you for a while."
Sarah grinned wickedly, "A good job I love you for more than just your body then," she said leaning up to kiss him, "Come on, we've got a path to find."
She turned to leave but his grip on her hand stopped her.
"Sarah."
She turned to see the odd look in his eyes, "What is it?"
"If…if I don't make it and Oberon wins, if you don't get through, promise me…"
"Promise you what?"
Jareth steeled himself, "Take your own life, don't let him…"
"I will," said Sarah laying her free hand against his cheek, "I'll be coming right after you darling."
"Majesty, Lady Sarah," came Didymus' voice beside them, "Is all well?"
"Everything is fine Didymus," said Jareth shaking off his melancholy, "We were simply discussing the path we should take."
"Dost thou know the way then Majesty?"
Jareth smiled, "Well enough," he said before calling over his shoulder, "Hoggle! Ludo! Stay close or get eaten."
"I's a coming!" said Hoggle, "Come on yer great yeti. I 'ope yer intend to be of use if we meet that rat Oberon again, I ain't gonna be fighting him."
"If anyone is going to be fighting Oberon it'll be me," said Jareth, "That is one privilege I don't intend to share."
"Yer ain't gonna go 'ead to 'ead with Oberon on yer own!"
"I've done it before," said Jareth as he led them through the twists of the maze.
"Fourteen hundred years ago on the training ground," said Hoggle before he muttered once more to himself, "And 'e kicked yer skinny ass there too."
Jareth said nothing as they pressed on but Didymus decided to offer a commentary on the event which he clearly had not witnessed, praising his monarch's valour and skill.
"Truly Sir Hoggle, no doubt our King did but allow the lesser warrior to win in deference to his position as heir apparent to our most reverenced Queen Mab. Dost thou not know that His Majesty was once the Captain of all the forces of Avalon at a mere four hundred years old?"
"Aye I know," said Hoggle, "I were cleaning that damn armour often enough."
"As I recall Hipflask you much preferred that task to cleaning Horus' boots," said Jareth, "For a start I let you have a brush."
"Well even serving you is better than serving yer rat of a brother. I ain't gonna be surprised if 'e ain't part of all this get up with Oberon."
"Unfortunately I have little doubt that you're right Hoggle," said Jareth, "But it is not something we can speak of here, just know that I have all in hand that I may."
Further conversation was halted as the twists of the maze grew almost pitch black without warning. Sarah took a tighter hold of Jareth's hand, feeling Hoggle's much rougher, larger hand slip into her free one as Didymus brushed up against her leg.
"What happened?" she asked, looking up to see Jareth brush roughly at his cheek before he spoke.
"Her lights just went out," he said sadly, "The shadow has overcome the glow of the Labyrinth."
"What does that mean?" said Sarah.
"Three hours," said Hoggle, a catch in his voice, "Three hours after the lights go out, she'll be gone."
"But I thought…"
"I could only guess the time she had," said Jareth, "But the shadow worked faster than I predicted and she lost time in the oubliette."
Sarah paled, "I did this?" she said, "If I hadn't had fallen…"
"I've no doubt I would have tapped her power for something else," said Jareth, "She would not have helped me had she not wanted to save you as much as I did, she made her own choice to help you Sarah."
Sarah said nothing as Jareth loosed her hand and tucked her close beneath his arm, Ludo's giant paw coming down on her head fondly.
"I'm so sorry," she said turning her face into his shoulder.
"Ain't nothing to be done now girly," said Hoggle beside her, "We still got three hours and we got Jareth at the helm, ain't no better chance than that."
"Truly Lady Sarah, have not we five faced the Labyrinth before and won and now we try again but with its creator added to our band," said Didymus, "We shall prevail."
"God I hope so," said Sarah, "Just promise me we'll all get there together, I couldn't bear to lose any of you."
"Sawah fwiend," said Ludo, far more eloquently than any of them could.
Smiling up at the orange leviathan behind her, Sarah felt a little of the sorrow lift from her as her friends led her once more through the maze.
xxxx
Time seemed to melt to nothing as they carried on and it soon became all too apparent that they were desperately lost. The shadows seemed to retreat once more but the darkness remained, the loss of the Labyrinth's own light irreversible despite the apparent removal of the immediate Unseelie threat. They tried in vain to find their way, unsure at times whether or not they were going in circles as every wall and turn looked the same. They were all deeply effected by the change in the Labyrinth, Jareth the worse, snappy and distant but apologetic whenever he took it out on any of them too harshly.
Once more they turned onto an all too familiar passage way, Hoggle grumbling, Didymus hurriedly pushing Ambrosias to the next turn while Jareth slumped down the wall, sitting with his legs stretched out before him as he gave in once more to the pain in his ribs and leg. Sarah passed him, laying a hand on his shoulder and receiving a small smile in return as she went, crossing to where Ludo stood looking sweetly confused by their predicament.
"Not getting very far are we Ludo?" she said stroking his large arm.
"No," he said with a sad shake of his head, "Lab'rinth sick."
"She'll be alright," said Sarah.
"Yeah," answered Ludo, "Sawah scared?"
"A little," admitted Sarah.
"Ludo scared."
"Aww Ludo, there's no need to be frightened," she said resting her head against his massive chest, "Jareth'll look after us."
"King fwiend?" said Ludo.
"A very good friend Ludo," said Sarah.
Ludo looked over at Jareth who now sat with Hoggle by the wall, the two of them talking quietly, "Jaweth sad," he sighed.
"He's sad because the Labyrinth is sick but we'll make her better, you'll see," said Sarah.
"No, Jaweth always sad," said Ludo, "Brothers bad, Horus and Nubis bad."
"We'll just have to be his very good friends then won't we," said Sarah, "To take care of him."
"Yeah."
"And the best way to do that right now is to find a way out of this maze," said Sarah looking up at the wall beside her, "Maybe if I could see…Ludo, I need you to give me a boost."
"Sure," said Ludo without question, his giant paws coming to her waist and hoisting her up with ease.
Sarah reached for the top of the wall, using her hands to ease herself up out of Ludo's grip enough to see over. She peered into the gloom, trying to glean a path for them to follow. She was glad of Ludo's strong hands as the sound of Jareth's voice and its tone startled her into loosing her grip on the wall.
"What the hell are you doing?"
Ludo lowered her quickly to her feet and she turned to see both Hoggle and Jareth of their feet, staring at her in horror.
"I was trying to find a path," said Sarah, watching as Jareth's initial horror melted into something closer to anger.
"You climbed the wall," he said, his voice cold.
"I…"
"Have you any idea what you've done?" How could you have been so stupid?" he cried, "Of all the things…you climbed the wall, in a Labyrinth!"
Sarah paled, "You never told me I shouldn't."
"I would have thought it should have been obvious!" said Jareth, "But then common sense is somewhat lacking in your species."
Sarah's anger finally overcame her shock, "Which happens to be half yours," she said, "And don't you come all high and mighty with me, Your Majesty, you were the one drilling me on the rules but you failed to mention that one,"
"I did however tell you to only do what I told you to do but, as always, Sarah knows best."
"Majesty, please, speak more gently," pleaded Didymus, whiskers twitching in agitation.
Jareth paid him no mind and pressed on, the fire leaving Sarah as it was met by his rage, "Every step of this journey you've had to be reminded of your promise and each time it has cost us. We had three hours to get to Khepri and get this over with if we were to have any hope of saving the Labyrinth and now you've just cost us that time. Two hours in an oubliette is the punishment if you climb the wall and all challenging the Labyrinth must forfeit."
"I'm sorry," said Sarah, feeling the sting of tears on her cheeks.
"Sorry doesn't give us anymore time," said Jareth, "Sorry won't get me to Anna in time."
"She'll be alright…"
"What would you know about it?" snapped Jareth, "You don't know a thing. I should never have brought you here; I needed a warrior, not a burden."
Sarah choked on a sob, "A burden? I…I came to help you!"
"You came to be the bloody hero Sarah. Well welcome to your fairytale little mortal and enjoy it when you watch her burn because any hope we had just disappeared."
"Why are you being so cruel?" said Sarah, tears straining her voice.
"Because of you my Labyrinth will die and Anna will not be far behind," said Jareth, his voice cold and distant, "The only two things I have ever truly loved and I can do nothing to save them."
Sarah's face grew ashen as she stuttered, "Ever truly…" she began before wiping roughly at her tears, her eyes growing blank as she stared down at her boots, "Right…"
Without another word she turned on her heel, reaching beneath the collar of her tunic and tugging hard enough to snap the chain of the pendant at her throat. She let it drop to the ground without a thought or a glance and walked off, swiftly turning the corner and disappearing from sight.
Jareth stood in stunned silence, staring at the diamond glittering up at him from the floor as his own hateful words repeated again and again in his head. Reality only returned to him as Hoggle's fist connected solidly with his damaged thigh, sending a burst of white hot pain through him.
"No time to break 'er 'eart," said Hoggle sourly, "Time enough to shatter it though. If I didn't thinks yer was a prize idiot before I does now."
"I didn't mean…" said Jareth striding forward to pick up the necklace from the floor, "Sarah…"
He hadn't even got to his feet when a dreadful scream echoed from the turn ahead. Not a word had to be uttered as Jareth led them swiftly to the source of the sound; stopping only when he saw Sarah, tight in an elven grip with the Puck's blade at her throat. Oberon and half a dozen identically dressed palace guards stood beside him, all of them bearing arms as they faced the small, ill prepared band.
"Let her go," said Jareth, trying to keep the panic from his voice as he saw the terror in Sarah's eyes and the thin trickle of blood already at her throat.
Oberon folded his arms across his broad, armoured chest, "And why would we wish to do that?" he said, "She broke the rules."
"Then send us to an oubliette and be done with it," spat Jareth, "Just let her go."
Oberon laughed, "Hold them," he said to his guards before turning back to Jareth, "Even think of raising your blade Jareth and either your beast, knight or servant will meet the fate of the other traitors in this realm for they are none of them challengers."
Jareth held his hands up in surrender before they were pulled back and bound behind his back by one of Oberon's guards as the same was done to Hoggle and Didymus while Ludo began to growl and struggle against the two trying to hold him.
"No Ludo," said Sarah weakly, "It's alright buddy, let them, it'll be alright."
Ludo pacified at her words and was soon bound as they others. Jareth tugged at his won ropes, finding them too tight of to wriggle out of. Oberon noticed the movement and smiled cruelly.
"You will not get loose nephew," he said, "And now I may turn to my purpose, without interruption. Robin, bind the wench's hands."
"Let me go!" cried Sarah as Puck's blade left her throat but her arms were pulled too tightly behind her, straining her shoulders painfully as the coarse, heavy rope was tied mercilessly about her wrists. She whimpered pitifully at the pain, "Jareth…help me."
"It's alright precious," he said softly, "You'll be alright, I promise. Oberon there is no need for this, none of us will fight; keep me bound if you wish but cut them loose."
Oberon shook his head, "She broke the rules and now all must suffer the penalty."
"Two hours in the oubliette, there's nothing in the penalty that involves anyone being bound," said Jareth, struggling again against the ropes, "Send us there and be done with it."
Puck laughed viciously, one hand fisting into Sarah's hair roughly, "You should study your own laws better Aten, all penalties shall be decided upon by the ruler of the Labyrinth as he should wish. My Sovereign Master need not follow you petty precedent."
Jareth paled as he realised the truth in Puck's words but steeled himself, his face defiant as he spoke, "So we are to be bound then, I think mine has a little more flare," he said.
"The ropes are just the beginning," said Oberon, "And only the worse for those who did not break the rules, for darling Sarah I have so much more planned."
Jareth struggled all the harder against his bonds as he heard Sarah whimper as Puck's hand tightened in her hair, "Don't you dare hurt her Oberon," he said, cursing as the ropes held fast, "If you hurt her I…"
"I cannot," said Oberon fingering a lock of Sarah's black hair before running a fingertip down her smooth cheek, the girl flinching at his touch, "By no direct command can I harm a questor. Tell me Jareth, for I see the fear in your eyes, do you love this wretched creature?"
Sarah's eyes met Jareth's across the stones, begging him to answer.
"Completely," he said honestly, "With all I am and all I have, I love her. I have done since the first day I saw her."
Sarah smiled faintly beneath the pain of Puck's grip but Oberon cut off any hope of reply.
"How painful it will be then to see her owned by another," he sneered, "For my will is thus, as punishment for her crime the honourable Lady Sarah, Grand Duchess of the Labyrinth, shall belong solely for the next two hours to my Captain."
"No!" cried Jareth as Puck smirked at his prize, "Let her go! Oberon you can't do this. Sarah fight, please fight."
Two guards fell on him, swords drawn to silence him as Hoggle, Didymus and Ludo all pushed passed their enforced obedience and began to struggle violently but ever Ludo's strength was no match for military knots. Puck took a tighter hold of Sarah as she kicked and cursed in his grip.
"Let go of me you rat," she cried, "I don't belong to anyone, least of all you!"
"Now, now my dear," Puck purred in her ear, one hand loosing her as he pulled a knife from a sheath at his side, "Behave of I shan't cut you loose."
"If you're brave enough to cut me loose," said Sarah, steely determination in her eyes, "You are going to regret it."
"I sincerely doubt it," said Puck, "I do so love a challenge…and an audience."
Sarah grimaced as his sharp, cold tongue ran up her cheek and he laughed viciously.
"I can almost taste your fear."
Jareth struggled all the harder but the guards held his fast, his injuries nullifying any natural strength he could call upon. He gave up the attempt, focusing instead on the girl before him.
"Sarah," he said desperately, "Sarah love look at me."
Sarah lifted her gaze from the knife Puck held, locking her eyes with the Goblin King's frantic gaze, "Jareth help me," she pleaded.
"I won't let them hurt you precious, I swear. Trust me, please trust me," he said, the words sounding hollow even to him as he watched Puck's knife disappear behind Sarah's back. Relief flooded him as he heard the rip of the blade through the ropes and saw Sarah's arms fall free beside her but his relief was short lived. He cried out as he heard the deep thump of the blade as it entered her back. He smelt the metallic tang of blood in the air and felt her pain as his own as Puck twisted the knife in her heart, stilling its beat. He saw his world end as her eyes went dead.
Oberon waved his hands and the bonds dissolved from the wrists of all the captives but Jareth did not move; frozen in place as Sarah slumped forward over Puck's arm, the elf drawing the blade slowly out of her back with a feral grin.
The Faerie-King smirked at the stricken band as the guards released them, "No direct command," he said smoothly, "The clock ticks on Jareth, be swift in your goodbye."
Without another word Oberon's guards faded to nothing, their master and captain following behind. At the absence of Puck's hold Sarah flopped bonelessly onto the stone floor, her body crumpled and unmoving. Horror left them all paralysed until Jareth finally found his voice.
"Sarah," he said, his voice bordering on hysteria, "Sarah, get up."
"Your Majesty," began Didymus, his little voice choked as he held tightly round Ambrosias' neck, "I believe she's…"
"No!" cried Jareth, "No, Sarah get up, please get up."
He crossed to her, scooping her too small body up in his arms as he knelt beside her, cradling her close, "Sarah they're gone," he whispered into her hair, "They're gone, they're gone. You can get up now, open your eyes. I'm so sorry I shouted, please get up, don't punish me like this, please Sarah I beg you. Sarah wake up please. Don't leave me, not like this, never like this. My Father holds the Gates closed, he will not let you pass through Sarah, it's not your time. Just come back, please, just open your eyes…"
"Jareth," came Hoggle's tear filled voice as his large hand fell softly on the Fae's shoulder, "She can't come back. She's dead."
"No," said Jareth desperately, shrugging him off but suddenly registering Ludo's pained howl and Didymus' soft weeping. He buried his face in Sarah's hair, "No she can't be, we had so much planned. I…I promised Toby I'd keep her safe, I swore to protect her."
Hoggle choked on a sob, his hand leaving Jareth's shoulder to come to rest on his hair, "Yer couldn't do no more, them ropes wouldn't loose for no one."
"My Sarah," said Jareth weakly, "My queen."
Cold, painful reality hit him then, his heart twisting in an agony that near stopped his breath as he rocked her lifeless body gently. He did not care for his subjects' eyes on him, he did not care for the sands of time counting down to the destruction of all he knew, all he cared for was the young life that lay spent in his arms, broken and bloodied where it was once vibrant and beautiful. Jareth wept, painfully, desperately and only for her, deep wrenching sobs that would break even the darkest heart were they to hear them.
He didn't know how long her cried or indeed if anything still existed around him but he became aware once more of a gruff voice speaking softly and a hand stroking his wild hair as it had not done since his boyhood.
"Jack," said Hoggle, ceasing the movement of his hand, "Anna still needs yer."
"No," said Jareth, his voice shaking, "I can't leave her, not here."
Hoggle's voice hardened but the concern remained beneath, "On yer feet lad," he said, "She wouldn't have wanted yer to give up; she would have wanted yer to fight."
"I can't do this alone."
"Yer ain't alone, yer ain't never been alone," said Hoggle, "I'll go with yer, I swore to yer mother day you was born that I'd always be with yer and I will be."
Jareth finally looked up at the dwarf beside him, "I have never earned that loyalty Hoggle and I do not ask for it now."
"You ain't gotta ask for what's given freely lad," said Hoggle, "I ain't gonna leave yer on yer own."
Jareth shook his head, "No Hoggle, not this time, this time I can't expect you to come with me. This time…I've got to do this myself," he said before looking back down at Sarah, "And you have someone else to protect now."
"Who?"
"I want you to guard Sarah's…to guard Sarah," said Jareth, "You, Didymus and Ludo. I want you to guard her and stop anything coming near her. If…if by some luck I can still succeed I will come back for you and we will give her every honour. We will lay her to rest as a queen."
"A queen?" said Hoggle.
Jareth leaned down and kissed Sarah's lips softly, almost surprised when she failed to respond, "I love her," he said softly, "She was my queen, she'll always be my queen and for her murder Oberon and Puck will pay if it's the last thing I do."
Hoggle nodded solemnly as Jareth spoke to the silent girl in his arms.
"I know you can't hear me," he said softly, "But I promise this all the same; they will pay Sarah, I will make them suffer for your life and when I'm done I will come to you. If you want forever, I'll give you forever, just wait for me."
He laid her gently on the ground, crossing her arms over her chest and laying her hair smoothly back from her forehead before frowning, "I have nothing for the Boatman."
"Here," said Hoggle stuffing a hand into his pocket and pulling out two worn, old coins. He held them out to Jareth, "It's not much."
"Its enough," said Jareth taking the coins and laying them over Sarah's closed eyes, "Thank you."
The Goblin King took off his black cape and laid it over her, covering her face and torso as best he could before getting to his feet, "Let none come near," he said regally, "I leave her in your charge."
"We will defend her to the death Your Majesty," said Didymus from where he stood, patting the crying Ludo beside him.
Jareth nodded solemnly, "Thank you, all of you, for coming so far with…us. Your loyalty to Sarah is beyond admirable and, should success come, I will ensure you see rewards for it. I only hope I can prove worthy of the courage you have shown."
Hoggle looked up at him, tears in his ancient eyes, "Yer know this is suicide?"
Jareth smiled half heartedly, "Probably," he said, "But it must be done. If you see Anna…if she…"
"She knows already," said Hoggle tugging him down by his sleeve before hugging him tightly, "Both she and Lilijana would be so proud of yer."
"I'd hope so," said Jareth hugging him back, "Thank you…for everything, from the day I was born, thank you."
"It's been an honour, Your Majesty," said Hoggle, "Yer've been bloody trying, yer rat, but it's been an honour. Now get on with yer and teach that Oberon a lesson…Captain of Avalon."
Jareth smiled sadly, "Once, maybe," he said getting to his feet, "I hope I will see you all again."
Hoggle smiled at Didymus' shock as Jareth offered them a dignified bow but remained silent, tears threatening once more as he saw him turn and offer the same to Sarah's body. Jareth stood silently for a moment before turning back to them.
"Goodbye," he said before heading swiftly into the maze, the darkness quickly swallowing him as the three friends began their vigil.
xxxx
A/N: Don't kill me!